Bajrang Punia’s grappling skills made him a champion with a gold medal

Source :NewsBharati Date :04-Mar-2019

Ruse, Bulgaria, March 4: India's star wrestler Bajrang Punia has won the gold medal at the Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov tournament in Ruse, Bulgaria and dedicated the victory to Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

Punia, a World Championship silver medallist, overpowered Jordan Oliver of USA 12-3 in the 65kg freestyle final to begin the season on a resounding note in the Bulgarian city. The Indian also secured the maximum ranking points from the tournament.

"I want to dedicate my gold to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. He has inspired me. I want to meet him one day and also shake hands with him," Punia tweeted after his victory.

The Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan returned to our soil from captivity in Pakistan on Friday night after a suspenseful wait lasting hours, The pilot, who ejected from his MiG-21 Bison aircraft after it went down in firing on February 27 is undergoing medical tests

This was Punia's 10th medal in as many international tournaments since failing to finish at the podium in the 2017 World Championships in Paris.

In the men's freestyle events, Sandeep Tomar had to be content with a silver in 61kg.

Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat lost her women's 53kg final to China's Qianyu Pang 2-9 to settle for silver on her debut in the United World Wrestling ranking series, which is also her first tournament since moving from the 50kg category.

India’s leading wrestler Vinesh Phogat has decided to move up to the 53 kg weight category from her preferred 50 kg beginning with the ongoing Dan Kolov tournament in Bulgaria with an aim to lower the risk of injuries and remain in wrestling for a longer period.